Value of infarct location in the prediction of functional outcome in patients with an anterior large vessel occlusion: results from the HERMES study

Abstract Purpose Follow-up infarct volume (FIV) is moderately associated with functional outcome. We hypothesized that accounting for infarct location would strengthen the association of FIV with functional outcome. Methods We included 252 patients from the HERMES collaboration with follow-up diffusion weighted imaging. Patients received endovascular treatment combined with best medical management (n = 52%) versus best medical management alone (n = 48%). FIV was quantified in low, moderate and high modified Rankin Scale (mRS)-relevant regions. We used binary logistic regression to study the relation between the total, high, moderate or low mRS-relevant FIVs and favorable outcome (mRS < 2) after 90 days. The strength of association was evaluated using the c-statistic. Results Small lesions only occupied high mRS-relevant brain regions. Lesions additionally occupied lower mRS-relevant brain regions if FIV expanded. Higher FIV was associated with a higher risk of unfavorable outcome, as were volumes of tissue with low, moderate and high mRS relevance. In multivariable modeling, only the volume of high mRS-relevant infarct was significantly associated with favorable outcome. The c-statistic was highest (0.76) for the models that included high mRS-relevant FIV or the combination of high, moderate and low mRS-relevant FIV but was not significantly different from the model that included only total FIV (0.75). Conclusion This study confirms the association of FIV and unfavorable functional outcome but showed no strengthened association if lesion location was taken into account.

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Abstract 1122‐000120: Clinical and Neuroperfusion Predictors of Functional Outcome and Final Infarct Volume in Posterior Circulation Stroke

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000120 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Rami Fakih ◽

Mudassir Farooqui ◽

Andres Dajles ◽

Juan Suarez‐Vivanco ◽

Milagros Galecio Castillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stroke Volume ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Patient Selection ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Brain Mri ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Accurate Estimation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation Stroke

Introduction : Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is considered standard of care in patient selection for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic strokes presenting after 6 hours from symptom onset. Its role in triaging patients is uncertain in posterior circulation stroke. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the admission CTP sequences in predicting clinical and radiological outcomes in posterior circulation LVO. Methods : We performed a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained stroke database of patients who were diagnosed with a posterior circulation LVO and underwent MT. We included patients with a CTP on arrival and follow‐up imaging (brain MRI or CT) after MT. Baseline clinical as well as CTP parameters (cerebral blood flow [CBF]; cerebellar blood volume [CBV]; time at maximum intensity [Tmax]) at different thresholds were estimated using post‐processing RAPID software. Final stroke volume was quantified on follow‐up imaging using the DWI sequence or plain CT. Good functional outcome was defined as using the mRS of 0–2 at 90 days. Results : Out of 81 patients with posterior circulation LVO who underwent MT, 23 had CTP on arrival along with follow‐up brain imaging (16 had MRI, and 7 had CT) and were included in the final analysis. Lower age, BMI, NIHSS on arrival, and faster time to reperfusion were significantly associated with better mRS at 90 days (p<0.05). Tmax>6 (p = 0.08) and Tmax>8 (0.057) seconds trended towards predicting good mRS at 90 days. None of the CTP parameters showed a predictive value for final stroke volume on follow‐up imaging. Conclusions : Age, NIHSS on arrival, and time to reperfusion were superior to neuroperfusion parameters in predicting good mRS at 90 days in patients who underwent MT in posterior circulation LVO. Since CTP might have limitations in the posterior fossa for accurate estimation of ischemic volumes, plain CT or acute MRI brain may represent a diagnostic tool for patient selection in posterior circulation strokes at this moment.

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Abstract 75: Hemorrhagic Transformation After Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to a Large Vessel Occlusion is Associated With Less Treatment Benefit

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.75 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Katinka R van Kranendonk ◽

Manon Kappelhof ◽

Vicky Chalos ◽

Kilian M Treurniet ◽

Wim van Zwam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Treatment Benefit ◽

Natural Progression ◽

Before And After

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage after acute ischemic stroke patients manifests as natural progression or as a complication of treatment with potential subsequent neurological deterioration. Currently it is unclear whether these hemorrhagic transformations (HT) contribute to the poorer functional outcomes observed in patients with large infarcts. The purpose of this study is to assess the association of HT with follow-up infarct volume (FIV) and functional outcome at 90 days after AIS. Additionally, we determined whether the development of HT was associated with a diminished endovascular therapy (EVT) effect. Methods: All patients from the HERMES collaboration with follow-up imaging were included. HERMES is pooled data from seven randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of EVT compared to usual care. Patients with HT were identified according to the ECASS classification and FIV was assessed on CT or MRI. Infarct and hemorrhage were included in the FIV. We assessed functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale 90 days after stroke onset. Ordinal logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders was used to determine the association of HT and FIV with functional outcome. Results: Of all included patients with follow-up imaging (n=1665), 42% had HT (n=698). Before and after adjustment for confounders HT and FIV were associated with a shift in the direction of poorer functional outcome (aOR:0.71,95%CI:0.58-0.86 and aOR:0.99,95%CI:0.99-0.99). EVT was beneficial in patients with and without HT, but effect was greater in patients without (aOR:1.70,95%CI:1.27-2.28 vs. aOR:2.51,95%CI:1.97-3.20)(figure 1.) Conclusions: In this analysis, patients with HT after AIS were less likely to have good functional outcome compared to those without HT, independent of the FIV. While the EVT effect was slightly diminished in patients who developed HT, EVT was always of significant benefit.

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Abstract P538: A Detailed Analysis of Intracranial Hemorrhage After Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion in the Escape-NA1 Trial

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p538 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Johanna Ospel ◽

Michael D Hill ◽

Nima Kashani ◽

Arnuv Mayank ◽

Nishita Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Intraventricular Hemorrhage ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Good Outcome

Purpose: We investigated the prevalence and prognostic impact on outcome of any intracranial hemorrhage, hemorrhage morphology, type and volume in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: Prevalence of intracranial hemorrhage, hemorrhage type, morphology and volume was determined on 24h follow-up imaging (non contrast head CT or gradient-echo/susceptibility-weighted MRI). Proportions of good outcome (mRS 0-2 at 90 days) were reported for patients with vs. without any intracranial hemorrhage. Multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for key minimization variables and total infarct volume was performed to obtain adjusted effect size estimates for hemorrhage type and volume on good outcome. Results: Hemorrhage on follow up-imaging was seen in 372/1097 (33.9%) patients, among them 126 (33.9%) with hemorrhagic infarction (HI) type 1, 108 (29.0%) with HI-2, 72 /19.4%) with parenchymal hematoma (PH) type 1, 37 (10.0) with PH2, 8 (2.2%) with remote PH and 21 (5.7%) with extra-parenchymal/intraventricular hemorrhage. Good outcomes were less often achieved by patients with hemorrhage on follow-up imaging (164/369 [44.4%] vs. 500/720 [69.4%]). Any type of intracranial hemorrhage was strongly associated with decreased chances of good outcome ( adj OR 0.62 [CI 95 0.44 - 0.87]). The effect of hemorrhage was driven by both PH hemorrhage sub-type [PH-1 ( adj OR 0.39 [CI 95 0.21 - 0.72]), PH-2 ( adj OR 0.15 [CI 95 0.05 - 0.50])] and extra-parenchymal/intraventricular hemorrhage ( adj OR 0.60 (0.20-1.78) Petechial hemorrhages (HI-1 and HI-2) were not associated with poorer outcomes. Hemorrhage volume ( adj OR 0.97 [CI 95 0.05 - 0.99] per ml increase) was significantly associated with decreased chances of good outcome. Conclusion: Presence of any hemorrhage on follow-up imaging was seen in one third of patients and strongly associated with decreased chances of good outcome.

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Impact of Repeated Clot Retrieval Attempts on Infarct Growth and Outcome After Ischemic Stroke

Neurology ◽

10.1212/wnl.0000000000012321 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012321

Author(s):

Wagih Ben Hassen ◽

Caroline Touloupas ◽

Joseph Benzakoun ◽

Gregoire Boulouis ◽

Martin Bretzner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Unfavorable Outcome ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Vessel Occlusion

Objective:To determine whether the association between increasing number of clot retrieval attempts (CRA) and unfavorable outcome is due to an increase in emboli to new territory (ENT) and greater infarct growth (IG) in successfully recanalized patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS LVO).Methods:Data were extracted from two pooled multicentric prospective registries of consecutive anterior AIS-LVO patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between January 2016-2019. Patients with pretreatment and 24 hours post-treatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) achieving successful recanalization, defined as expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Scale (eTICI) scores 2b, 2C or 3 were included. ENT were assessed and IG measured by voxel-based segmentation after DWI co-registration. Associations between number of CRA, ENT, IG and 3-month outcome were analyzed.Results:Four hundred nineteen patients achieving successful recanalization were included. ENT occurrence was strongly correlated with increasing CRA (ρ=0.73, p=10-4). In multivariable linear analysis, IG was independently associated with CRA (β=1.6 per retrieval attempt, 95% CI = [0.97–9.74], p=0.03) and ENT (β=2.7, [1.21-4.1], p=0.03). Unfavorable functional outcome (3-month modified Rankin Score >2) increased with each additional CRA. IG was an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (OR=1.05 [1.02-1.07] per 1 mL IG increase, p=10-4) in binary logistic regression analysis.Conclusion:Increasing number of CRA in acute stroke is correlated with an increased ENT rate and increased IG volume, affecting functional outcome even when successful recanalization is achieved.Classification of evidence:This study provides Class II evidence that, for patients with acute stroke undergoing successful recanalization, an increasing number of clot retrieval attempts is associated with poorer functional outcome.

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Abstract P485: Predictors and Clinical Impact of Deep Grey Matter Infarction After Endovascular Treatment for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke: Results From the Escape-NA1 Trial

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p485 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Johanna Ospel ◽

Michael D Hill ◽

Nima Kashani ◽

Arnuv Mayank ◽

Nishita Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Grey Matter ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Diffusion Weighted Mri ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Lentiform Nucleus ◽

Good Outcome ◽

Deep Grey Matter ◽

Post Hoc

Purpose: In this post-hoc analysis of the ESCAPE-NA1 trial, we investigated the prevalence of deep grey matter infarcts and their influence on clinical outcome. Methods: Infarcts on 24 hour follow up imaging (non contrast head CT or diffusion-weighted MRI) were categorized as predominantly deep grey matter infarcts (caudate and/or lentiform nucleus infarcts with sparing of the superficial grey matter and white matter) vs. other infarcts. Total infarct volume was manually segmented in all patients. When MRI follow-up was available, deep grey matter and grey matter infarct volumes were segmented separately. Multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for key minimization variables and by infarct volume was used to assess the association of predominantly deep grey matter infarcts and good outcome. Results: Of the 1026 included patients, 316 (30.8%) had predominantly deep grey matter infarcts. Cumulative proportions of good outcome for overall, grey matter, deep grey matter, and superficial grey matter infarct volumes are shown in the figure. Good outcomes were more frequently achieved in patients with predominantly deep grey matter infarcts (239/316 [75.6%] vs. 374/704 [53.1%]). Deep infarcts were tightly correlated with infarct volume (Pearson rho -0.35) and in multivariable analysis deep grey matter infarcts were predictive of outcome overall; when examined in volume percentiles, there was no effect of deep infarct location. Conclusion: Predominantly deep grey matter infarcts are associated with good outcomes. Deep grey matter infarct location favorable prognosis is associated with small overall infarct size.

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Abstract WMP15: Automated Volumetric Assessment of Infarct Core in Non-Contrast Computed Tomography in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Large Vessel Occlusion

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wmp15 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Alvaro Garcia-Tornel ◽

Matias Deck ◽

Marc Ribo ◽

David Rodriguez-Luna ◽

Jorge Pagola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Infarct Core ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Good Functional Outcome ◽

Volumetric Assessment

Introduction: Perfusion imaging has emerged as an imaging tool to select patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO) for endovascular treatment (EVT). We aim to compare an automated method to assess the infarct ischemic core (IC) in Non-Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) with Computed Tomography Perfusion (CTP) imaging and its ability to predict functional outcome and final infarct volume (FIV). Methods: 494 patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with EVT were included. Volumetric assessment of IC in NCCT (eA-IC) was calculated using eASPECTS™ (Brainomix, Oxford). CTP was processed using availaible software considering CTP-IC as volume of Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) <30% comparing with the contralateral hemisphere. FIV was calculated in patients with complete recanalization using a semiautomated method with a NCCT performed 48-72 hours after EVT. Complete recanalization was considered as modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) ≥2B after EVT. Good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin score (mRs) ≤2 at 90 days. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between EA-IC and CTP-IC and its ability to predict prognosis and FIV. Results: Median eA-IC and CTP-IC were 16 (IQR 7-31) and 8 (IQR 0-28), respectively. 419 patients (85%) achieved complete recanalization, and their median FIV was 17.5cc (IQR 5-52). Good functional outcome was achieved in 230 patients (47%). EA-IC and CTP-IC had moderate correlation between them (r=0.52, p<0.01) and similar correlation with FIV (r=0.52 and 0.51, respectively, p<0.01). Using ROC curves, both methods had similar performance in its ability to predict good functional outcome (EA-IC AUC 0.68 p<0.01, CTP-IC AUC 0.66 p<0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusted by confounding factors showed that eA-IC and CTP-IC predicted good functional outcome (for every 10cc and >40cc, OR 1.5, IC1.3-1.8, p<0.01 and OR 1.3, IC1.1-1.5, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Automated volumetric assessment of infarct core in NCCT has similar performance predicting prognosis and final infarct volume than CTP. Prospective studies should evaluate a NCCT-core / vessel occlusion penumbra missmatch as an alternative method to select patients for EVT.

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Abstract TP74: Aspects Scoring Applied to CTA Source Images is Predictive of Final Infarct Volume and Good Functional Outcome

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.tp74 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Joseph F Carrera ◽

Joseph H Donahue ◽

Prem P Batchala ◽

Andrew M Southerland ◽

Bradford B Worrall

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Good Outcome ◽

The Impact

Introduction: CTP and MRI are increasingly used to assess endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) candidacy in large vessel occlusion stroke. Unfortunately, availability of these advanced neuroimaging techniques is not widespread and this can lead to over-triage to EVT-capable centers. Hypothesis: ASPECTS scoring applied to computed tomography angiography source images (CTA-SI) will be predictive of final infarct volume (FIV) and functional outcome. Methods: We reviewed data from consecutive patients undergoing EVT at our institution for anterior circulation occlusion between 01/14 - 01/19. We recorded demographics, comorbidities, NIHSS, treatment time parameters, and outcomes as defined by mRS (0-2 = good outcome). Cerebrovascular images were assessed by outcome-blinded raters and collateral score, TICI score, FIV, and both CT and CTA-SI ASPECTS scores were noted. Patients were grouped by ASPECTS score into low (0-4), intermediate (5-7), and high (8-10) for some analyses. FIV was predicted using a linear regression with NIHSS, good reperfusion (TICI 2b/3), collateral score, CT to groin puncture, CT and CTA-SI ASPECTS as independent variables. After excluding those with baseline mRS≥2, a binary logistic regression was performed including covariates of age, NIHSS, good reperfusion, and diabetes (factors significant at p<0.05 on univariate analysis) to assess the impact of CTA-SI ASPECTS group on outcome. Results: Analysis included 137 patients for FIV and 102 for outcome analysis (35 excluded for baseline mRS≥ 2). Linear regression found CTA-SI ASPECTS (Beta -10.8, p=0.002), collateral score (Beta -42.9, p=0.001) and good reperfusion (Beta 72.605, p=0.000) were independent predictors of FIV. Relative to the low CTA-SI ASPECTS group, the high CTA-SI ASPECTS group was more likely to have good outcome (OR 3.75 [95% CI 1.05-13.3]; p=0.41). CT ASPECTS was not predictive of FIV or good outcome. Outcomes: In those undergoing EVT for anterior circulation occlusion, CTA-SI ASPECTS is predictive of both FIV and functional outcome, while CT ASPECTS predicts neither. CTA-SI ASPECTS holds promise as a lower-cost, more widely available option for triage of patients with large vessel occlusion. Further study is needed comparing CTA-SI ASPECTS to CTP parameters.

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Abstract WMP17: Computerized Tomography Perfusion to Characterize Lack of Clinical Improvement After Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wmp17 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Alvaro Garcia-Tornel ◽

Marta Olive-Gadea ◽

Marc Ribo ◽

David Rodriguez-Luna ◽

Jorge Pagola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Clinical Recovery ◽

Good Functional Outcome ◽

Significant Difference

A significant proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) present poor functional outcome despite recanalization. We aim to investigate computed tomography perfusion (CTP) patterns after EVT and their association with outcome Methods: Prospective study of anterior large vessel occlusion AIS patients who achieved complete recanalization (defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) 2b - 3) after EVT. CTP was performed within 30 minutes post-EVT recanalization (POST-CTP): hypoperfusion was defined as volume of time to maximal arrival of contrast (Tmax) delay ≥6 seconds in the affected territory. Hyperperfusion was defined as visual increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and volume (CBV) with advanced Tmax compared with the unaffected hemisphere. Dramatic clinical recovery (DCR) was defined as a decrease of ≥8 points in NIHSS score at 24h or NIHSS≤2 and good functional outcome by mRS ≤2 at 3 months. Results: One-hundred and forty-one patients were included. 49 (34.7%) patients did not have any perfusion abnormality on POST-CTP, 60 (42.5%) showed hypoperfusion (median volume Tmax≥6s 17.5cc, IQR 6-45cc) and 32 (22.8%) hyperperfusion. DCR appeared in 56% of patients and good functional outcome in 55.3%. Post-EVT hypoperfusion was related with worse final TICI, and associated worse early clinical evolution, larger final infarct volume (p<0.01 for all) and was an independent predictor of functional outcome (OR 0.98, CI 0.97-0.99, p=0.01). Furthermore, POST-CTP identified patients with delayed improvement: in patients without DCR (n=62, 44%), there was a significant difference in post-EVT hypoperfusion volume according to functional outcome (hypoperfusion volume of 2cc in good outcome vs 11cc in poor outcome, OR 0.97 CI 0.93-0.99, p=0.04), adjusted by confounding factors. Hyperperfusion was not associated with worse outcome (p=0.45) nor symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (p=0.55). Conclusion: Hypoperfusion volume after EVT is an accurate predictor of functional outcome. In patients without dramatic clinical recovery, hypoperfusion predicts good functional outcome and defines a “stunned-brain” pattern. POST-CTP may help to select EVT patients for additional therapies.

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Effects of White Matter Hyperintensities on 90-Day Functional Outcome after Large Vessel and Non-Large Vessel Stroke

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000509071 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 419-426

Author(s):

Christoph Johannes Griessenauer ◽

David McPherson ◽

Andrea Berger ◽

Ping Cuiper ◽

Nelson Sofoluke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

White Matter ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Brain Mri ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

White Matter Hyperintensity ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Brain Extraction

Introduction: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden is a critically important cerebrovascular phenotype related to the diagnosis and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. The effect of WMH burden on functional outcome in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke has only been sparsely assessed, and direct LVO and non-LVO comparisons are currently lacking. Material and Methods: We reviewed acute ischemic stroke patients admitted between 2009 and 2017 at a large healthcare system in the USA. Patients with LVO were identified and clinical characteristics, including 90-day functional outcomes, were assessed. Clinical brain MRIs obtained at the time of the stroke underwent quantification of WMH using a fully automated algorithm. The pipeline incorporated automated brain extraction, intensity normalization, and WMH segmentation. Results: A total of 1,601 acute ischemic strokes with documented 90-day mRS were identified, including 353 (22%) with LVO. Among those strokes, WMH volume was available in 1,285 (80.3%) who had a brain MRI suitable for WMH quantification. Increasing WMH volume from 0 to 4 mL, age, female gender, a number of stroke risk factors, presence of LVO, and higher NIHSS at presentation all decreased the odds for a favorable outcome. Increasing WMH above 4 mL, however, was not associated with decreasing odds of favorable outcome. While WMH volume was associated with functional outcome in non-LVO stroke (p = 0.0009), this association between WMH and functional status was not statistically significant in the complete case multivariable model of LVO stroke (p = 0.0637). Conclusion: The burden of WMH has effects on 90-day functional outcome after LVO and non-LVO strokes. Particularly, increases from no measurable WMH to 4 mL of WMH correlate strongly with the outcome. Whether this relationship of increasing WMH to worse outcome is more pronounced in non-LVO than LVO strokes deserves additional investigation.

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The Safety and Feasibility of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Mild Acute Ischemic Stroke With Large Vessel Occlusion

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyz354 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 86 (6) ◽

pp. 802-807 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gabor Toth ◽

Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez ◽

Jenny P Tsai ◽

Russell Cerejo ◽

Sami Al Kasab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Infarct Volume ◽

Invasive Procedure ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND Prospective evidence to support mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for mild ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is lacking. There is uncertainty about using an invasive procedure in patients with mild symptoms. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and feasibility of MT in patients with mild symptoms and LVO. METHODS Our single-arm prospective pilot study recruited patients with LVO and initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) <6, who underwent standard MT. Primary safety endpoints were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and/or worsening NIHSS by ≥4 points. Secondary endpoints included angiographic recanalization, NIHSS change, final infarct volume, and modified Rankin score (mRS). RESULTS We enrolled 20 patients (mean age 65.6 ± 12.3 yr; 45% females). Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2B/3 thrombectomy was achieved in 95%. No patients suffered sICH. One patient (5%) had neurologic worsening within 24 h because of underlying intracranial stenosis. No other complications or safety concerns were identified. Median NIHSS was significantly better at discharge (0.5, P = .007) and at last follow-up (0, P < .001) than before treatment (3). Mean post vs preintervention infarct volumes were small without significant difference (1.2 ml, P = .434). Most patients (85%) were discharged directly home. Excellent clinical outcome (mRS 0-1) at last follow-up was seen in 95% of patients. CONCLUSION This is one of the first specifically designed prospective studies showing that MT is safe and feasible in patients with low NIHSS and LVO. Chronic underlying vasculopathy may be a challenging dilemma. We observed excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes, but randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of MT in this unique cohort.

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